Help Me to Help Rob Blumer
I'm writing on behalf of my oldest friend Rob Blumer. Rob and I have known each other since preschool and we've been friends for over 35 years . On July 26, 2016 Rob suffered a devastating spinal injury while innocently playing in a pool with his friend and his friend's five year old twins. As a result he fractured his C6/C7 cervical vertebrae leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He is considered an incomplete tetraplegic and has compromised use of his arms and hands. Fortunately, with proper continuing treatment for his injuries, Rob should be able to live as close to normal as possible while in a wheelchair.
For those of you who know Rob, you know he is very stubborn and it took me and others over a year to convince him to do this. Rob has had tremendous support from his family this past year, especially his sister Dana and her husband TJ. Rob has been living with them for the past year after completing a two month intensive inpatient rehabilitation program at Kessler Institute. Rob is now getting close to gaining some independence by living on his own again and will need additional support.
Rob requires home assistance from an aide, specialized transportation, and rehabilitation at Kessler Institute, none of which is covered by insurance. Additionally, he will be moving into a wheelchair accesible home that he will need to outfit with specialized furniture and equipment including a gym to continue his therapy at home.
All of this is to help regain his sense of purpose in the world, his feeling of normalcy in society and return to the workplace. From what I've learned from Rob throughout this last year, this is what people who've suffered traumatic injuries desire the most.
I've been with Rob since the beginning. His attitude and willingness to get better has been inspiring to me and so many others. Let's help Rob get his life back on track!
Many of you have been asking what you can do. Any amount you can donate would benefit Rob. Also, please share this page with anyone who might be able to help!
For more information on Rob's injury and others facing spinal cord injury (SCI) please visit: https://www.christopherreeve.org/
